What is a Thai Massage?

Thai massage originated in Thailand over 1,000having pressure applied with the thumbs, palms,
years ago and is a very popular form of massageelbows, knees, and feet.
in the Western world.  Based on AyurvedicBefore the therapy begins, the therapist typically
medicine and yoga, this art form has been handedinterviews the client to find out any specific
down through an unbroken chain of masters forconditions the client and discussing their pain
centuries.  Thai massage is becoming increasinglytolerance before beginning the massage.  Once
popular in the Western world, and is one of thethe massage begins, the massage takes on a
fastest growing massage types in the Unitedrhythm and only stops if the pain is too much
States.from too much pressure or too light if not enough
The main difference to this type of therapy is nopressure is applied.
oil is used and the therapist uses a mattress onThai therapy usually begins with the extremities
the floor instead of a typical table and the clientstarting from the feet and legs and then moving
remains completely clothed throughout theto the hands and arms.  From there, the
session.  It is so different than what most peopleabdomen is massaged with yoga stretches and
in the West expect, many people describe thisthe back is massaged for relaxation.  Finally, the
type of therapy to have yoga performed on you.head, neck, and face are massaged to complete
Some people call this therapy yoga in action sincethe treatment.
it employs many sequences of stretches by